Samuel McClain Ivery

Samuel McLain Ivery, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and servant of God, was born on February 18, 1935, to Collis Herman Ivery, Sr. and Mattie Sue Jenkins Ivery in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. His name, Samuel, meaning "God has heard," reflected the life he led—a life of dedication, leadership, and service.

Samuel graduated from Druid High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Alabama State University in Montgomery in May 1956. During his time at Alabama State, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, where he and his brothers Collis, John, and Milton began a legacy of leadership and service within their family.

Committed to lifelong learning, Samuel furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a Master’s Degree in Science Education from Tuskegee Institute. He also attended Syracuse University on a scholarship in a Special Mathematics Teachers Program.

Samuel’s work ethic was evident from a young age, holding various jobs from delivering firewood at age eight to roles such as blacksmith shop assistant, shoe shiner, auto radiator repairman, drug store delivery and stocking, building construction, bricklayer, and cartographer. He retired in September 1993 from the Defense Mapping and Aerospace Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

A faithful member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Samuel served in the 2nd, 5th, and 13th Episcopal Districts. His ministries included Sunday school teacher and superintendent, steward, trustee, church treasurer, choir member – with a melodious bass voice, finance committee member, and mentorship within the Sons of Allen.

After retiring, Samuel kept himself joyfully busy through the work of his hands. He tended his garden with care, becoming well‑known for his cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, collard greens, and turnips. He also poured his creativity into his vintage quilts, designing and sewing more than one hundred pieces. These quilts are treasured keepsakes, held in high esteem by family, friends, and loved ones across the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Collis H. Ivery, Sr. and Mattie Sue Ivery; his brothers, Collis H. Ivery, Jr. and John J. Ivery, Sr.; and his granddaughter, Jaylah Ivery.

Samuel is lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Ann Ivery; his children, Erroll B. Ivery (Magen) of Houston, Texas; Erica Ivery Lee of Huntsville, Alabama; Sonuel Ivery Smith (Carl) of Cincinnati, Ohio; William Henry Ivery of Nashville, Tennessee; and Samantha Michelle Ivery of Boston, Massachusetts. He was a devoted grandfather to Michael S. Smith, Miles A. Smith, Janay P. Lee, Jasmine T. Lee, David J. Ehlers (Francesca), and DeAndre Griffin, and a proud great-grandfather to Leah Ehlers and Audra Ehlers. He is survived by his elder sister Bobbye Sue (Ivery) McKinney (Battle Creek, MI); younger brother Milton (Modestine) Ivery, Sr. (Macon, GA), and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other extended family who will love and miss him dearly.

His legacy of dedication, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.